Finding Your Rainbow in the Shadow of the Mountains
Have you ever felt like you're living two lives in Provo - the one everyone sees and the one that's truly yours? That was me three years ago, walking BYU campus with a secret tucked in my heart.
When Temple Square Feels Like Another Planet
I remember sitting by the Provo River, watching families and couples stroll by, wondering if I'd ever get to hold my girlfriend's hand in public without the stares. One evening, after a particularly tense family dinner where I dodged questions about dating, I found myself at Encircle House. That old Victorian building felt more like home than anywhere else.
The Invisible Tightrope
- Navigating religious family gatherings while staying true to yourself
- Dating apps where you recognize church members and panic-swipe left
- Finding roommates who won't move out when they "discover" you
- Building queer community in spaces designed to exclude us
Creating Your Pocket of Belonging
The beauty of Provo's queer community is in its resilience. We've created underground networks of support that rival any formal organization. Join weekly gatherings at local coffee shops. Volunteer with Provo Pride. Find the professors with small rainbow flags on their office doors.
Remember, your authenticity is never a burden—it's a gift to this valley. When the weight of belonging nowhere feels crushing, you're actually carving out new spaces for others like us.
Drop a comment about your favorite queer-friendly space in Utah County. You might just help someone find their people today. 💙